Oakville Real Estate News

Top 10 Red Flags for Homebuyers

Sellers don't
always disclose the whole truth to potential homebuyers, especially if
they're eager to sell (or "motivated" in real estate lingo). But you
can't afford to get a professional inspection of every house you tour. So
before you spring for the pro, narrow
down your choices by doing your own pre-inspection to spot potential problems.

Mass Exodus From the
Neighborhood
Don't let a home's curb appeal
keep you from glancing down the street. Are there several other homes for
sale? Are nearby businesses boarded up or vandalized? Get the scoop from
the neighbors. If
everyone else wants to leave the street, maybe you should, too. Just do it
before you're stuck with a bad investment.

Mediocre Maintenance
Three layers of roofing and gutters with plants growing in them are signs
the owners aren't big on maintaining their home. What else did they
neglect?

Foundation Failures
Check out the yard grading. If the yard slopes toward the house, it could
cause water to run down the foundation walls or into the basement, which
will be costly to repair. Scour the foundation for damage. Bulges or
cracks bigger than one-third inch can mean the house has serious
structural issues.

Bad Smells (Inside or
Outside)
Take a big whiff of the air inside and outside the house. Do you smell
anything funky? If you can't smell anything but the huge baskets of
potpourri all over the house, this could be a red flag.

Faulty or Old Wiring
While you're probably not an electrician, make sure all the switches and
outlets in the house function properly. Flickering lights, circuits that
don't work and warm or hot outlets or faceplates are all symptoms of
wiring problems.

Fresh Paint on One Wall
New paint can really spruce up drab walls, but it can also hide bigger
problems, like water damage, mildew or mold. If the room smells strange or
if you see stains or saggy walls or ceilings, have an inspector look for
mold and leaks.

Locked Doors and
Blockades
Ask about any rooms that are "off limits" during your home tour,
and arrange to see them later if you're interested in the house.

Foggy or Nonfunctioning
Windows
Check for water in between double-paned windows and make sure all the
windows are functional.

Structural Walls or
Floors Have Been Removed
Sure you love the open floor plan, but was the house always open or did
the homeowners renovate?
If they removed a load-bearing wall without adjusting the framing, it can
shift weight to other parts of the house. Hire a structural engineer if
you think any renovations are questionable.

Bugs!
No one wants a house with a pest problem, be it roaches, mice or, worst of
all, termites. Be on the lookout for unwelcome creatures as you tour the
house. Even if no foes pop out while you're there, consider a separate
termite inspection if you're thinking of purchasing the property.

BOTTOM LINE:
Always get a professional inspection
Yeah, it's a little expensive, but it's worth every penny. Skipping a home
inspection is not a good way to cut homebuying costs. You'll end up paying more
in the long run when problems inevitably arise.